I am a classical/jazz pianist. For me, playing the piano is a gateway to Being. The effects are similar to meditation, just like meditation the longer I play the deeper I can dive in. After a while, it's not me who is playing the piano anymore. From what I've read, the great composers of classical music and jazz musicians have had these experiences as well. The similarities between the teachings of Tolle/Adyashanti/Katie etc. and the process of composition of the great composers are almost scary. Here is a quote from Brahms's memoirs:

"To realize that we are one with the Creator, as Beethoven did, is a wonderful and awe-inspiring experience. Very few human beings ever come into that realization and this is why there are so few great composers or creative geniuses in any line of human endeavor. I always contemplate all this before commencing to compose. This is the first step. I immediately feel vibrations that thrill my whole being. In this exalted state, I see clearly what is obscure in my ordinary moods; then I feel capable of drawing inspiration from above, as Beethoven did.

Straightaway the ideas flow in upon me, and not only do I see distinct themes in my mind’s eye, but they are clothed in the right forms, harmonies, and orchestrations. Measure by measure, the finished product is revealed to me when I am in those rare, inspired moods. I have to be in a semi-trance condition to get such results — a condition when the conscious mind is in temporary abeyance and the subconscious is in control, for it is through the subconscious mind, which is part of omnipotence, that the inspiration comes. I have to be careful, however, not to lose consciousness, otherwise the ideas fade away. The term “subconscious” is the most inappropriate name... super-conscious could be a much better term.

The real genius draws on the infinite source of wisdom and power as Milton and Beethoven did. That is, in my opinion, the best definition of genius. Great powers like Goethe, Schiller, Milton, Tennyson and Wordsworth received the cosmic vibrations of eternal truths because they linked themselves to the infinite energy of the cosmos. The themes that will endure in my compositions all come to me in this way. It has always been such a wonderful experience. I felt that I was, for the moment, in tune with the Infinite, and there is no thrill like it."

Jazz greats Bill Evans and Keith Jarrett have also said in interviews that when they are improvising they experience the same thing as Brahms described. I can't find those interviews right now, I may post them later when I find them.

I want to thank Heidi for helping this computer illiterate get the link to song "NOW" posted.
I also want to thank all who stumble across the song... thank you for listening.
Like most in the struggle to keep the ego in check if I fail to comment individually
on your post please do not take this negatively.
My intent is not to nurture my ego, too many pats on the back can break it!
I just wanted to share and reaffirm with others
that we are all on the same paths. They all lead home.